Vet Should Lend An Eye To Cat`s Ear Problems

March 31, 1985|By Dr. Ann L. Huntington.

QI called my vet and told him that my cat was having a problem with her ears. I looked in them and they were dirty and blackish looking. He said to bring her in, because it sounded like ear mites. Is there any reason why I can`t clean out my cat`s ears myself and save a hefty vet bill?

ASorry, but there are lots of reasons why you should not play vet. Your vet cannot give an accurate diagnosis over the phone; he or she needs to examine the cat. In addition, he knows how to clean out the ears properly and thoroughly. If it is ear mites, he will prescribe a special medication.

QI live in a semirural area and have two cats, Sally and Silly, who spend a lot of time outdoors. My problem is that three times now I have found Silly slowly limping back to the house. My first reaction was that he had hurt his foot. But no, I discovered he got it caught in his flea collar. Even though I tightened his collar, he got caught in it again, and again. This could be dangerous. What can I use instead?

AThere are effective powders, sprays and dips, but they share a serious disadvantage: They have no effect if left inside their containers.

Unfortunately, there`s a tendency to forget to use them. The flea collar, however, does your work for you. Not all flea collars, or powders either, are good-quality products. Ask your local vet which he or she recommends for best quality.

Dr. Huntington welcomes questions from readers. Although she cannot reply to all of them, she will answer those of general interest in this column. Write to Dr. Huntington in care of The Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60611.